The Moss Utility Trench

Story

On my running route near Loughrigg Tarn, I always pass an old Land Rover parked against a drystone barn. Over years of remaining stationary in the damp Cumbrian air, its flat bonnet and roof have been completely claimed by a thick carpet of living green moss. A machine engineered for the most demanding terrain, slowly absorbed by the elements.

I kept thinking about that vehicle—its boxy silhouette, exposed rivets, utilitarian honesty, and the exact shade of moss growing over its paint. I imagined the person who drove it, and the kind of coat they would pull on: imposing, purposeful, and entirely unfazed by wind or rain.

The trench is cut from a dense Japanese cotton-linen blend in that same deep olive moss tone that holds its shape and cuts the wind. It adapts easily to the day: wear it as a full-length coat, or unfasten the lower tier to wear it as a short utility jacket.

Designed with an inverted box pleat at the back and snap-fastened side vents for easy movement on foot. Detailed with chest storm flaps, deep front pockets, a tie belt with metal eyelets, and antique brass snaps down the front. Every single snap fastener is set individually by hand in my studio.

Technical Description

Silhouette: Modular 2-in-1 design—wear as a full-length trench or unfasten the lower tier for a short utility jacket.

Material: 100% Japanese cotton-linen blend in moss green.

Fastenings: Antique brass snaps throughout, each set individually by hand.

Construction: Deep inverted box pleat at the back, snap-fastened side vents, chest storm flaps, deep front pockets, and waist tie belt with metal eyelets.

Production Time: Over 17 hours of dedicated bench work from cutting to hand-setting hardware and final press.

Care: Air outdoors to refresh; dry clean or gentle cold hand wash, line dry naturally.

Availability: Made to order in limited seasonal batches (allow 2–3 weeks for bespoke creation).

One maker. One studio.

Everything made by me in the Lake District, UK.